CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSSPrivate Baxtrom’s cruiser, USS Astoria (CA-34), was on patrol off Savo Island in the early morning hours of 9 August, 1942. A Japanese fleet surprised the Americans, and between 0155 and 0215, the Astoria was struck by dozens of large caliber shells. She sank the following day.
Baxtrom was reported killed in action aboard the Astoria at about 0215. His remains were left aboard the ship when she sank.